UDL, Equity, and Antiracism
“Are we asking students to change who they are at the core in order to reach success, or are we bending the curriculum, our teaching, our instructional strategies towards them in the name of justice?”
Traditionally, education has taken an approach of ability leading to opportunity; however, social conventions and implicit biases have created barriers to students developing and demonstrating ability, restricting them from opportunities. UDL and other inclusive practices flip this paradigm around, offering all students the opportunity to build ability. In a culture of UDL, variability is the norm, individuality is embraced, and barriers to learning and thriving are intentionally identified and addressed.
In the video series below, Andratesha Fritzgerald, author of “Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success”, describes the role UDL can play in dismantling inequities. Together with CCEE’s David Toston, they explore first steps for teachers in applying UDL to further the cause of equity in their classrooms.
Learn more about UDL and CA MTSS by watching the videos below. To go deeper, check out the resources listed under “Ways to Learn More”.
UDL, Equity, and Antiracism: Part 1
Andratesha Fritzgerald, founder of Building Blocks of Brilliance, outlines the foundational connections between Universal Design for Learning, Equity, and Antiracism.
UDL, Equity, and Antiracism: Part 2
Andratesha Fritzgerald and CCEE’s David Toston discuss the necessary mindsets and potential first steps for leveraging Universal Design for Learning to further your efforts to provide learning infused with equity and anti racist practices.